Danny DeVito, Kristin Chenoweth, Groundhog Day, Jersey Boys and More

Who amongst you had the privilege of experiencing the West End debut of Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner Danny DeVito back in 2012? The Hollywood icon starred alongside the late Richard Griffiths in Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys and was the toast of the town. The Roundabout Theatre Company announced that Mr. DeVito is now getting ready for his Broadway debut as he was added to the cast of Arthur Miller's The Price at the American Airlines Theatre from 16th February 2017. This is sure to be a hot ticket!

It's been a busy couple of weeks in New York as the first productions of the Broadway 2016-2017 season begin previews on the Great White Way. In fact, three more productions celebrate their first preview tonight. These include the Manhattan Theatre Club's transfer of the off-Broadway hit Heisenberg starring Tony, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress Mary-Louise Parker alongside Denis Arndt at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, Simon McBurney's 3D audio production entitled The Encounter at the Golden Theatre, in which audience members wear headphones for the entire performance and are imaginatvely transported to the depths of the Amazon rainforest, and the star-studded comedy revival of The Front Page, starring the likes of Nathan Lane, John Goodman, John Slattery, Holland Taylor and more, at the Broadhurst Theatre.

Previews have already begun for the Diane Lane-led Roundabout Theatre Company's revival of Anton Chekhov's classic The Cherry Orchard at the American Airlines Theatre as well as the company's world premiere of the new Irving Berlin musical Holiday Inn, based on the 1942 Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire film of the same name and starring Tony nominee Bryce Pinkham and "High School Musical" star Corbin Bleu, at Studio 54.

There are only so many Broadway theatres and only a limited number of spaces available during any particular season and slowly but surely this season is beginning to take form. The Old Vic's hit production of Groundhog Day, starring two-time Tony nominee Andy Karl, will now officially open at the August Wilson Theatre on 17th April 2017, whilst the new 9/11-themed musical Come From Away has secured the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, where it begins previews on 18th February 2017, before an offcial opening on 12th March, and the Second Stage Theatre's off-Broadway smash hit switches from the Belasco Theatre to the Music Box Theatre, but retains its 4th December 2016 opening date (with previews beginning on 14th November). There was sad news for those looking forward to Harvey Weinstein's revival of Singin' in the Rain, however, as the production has had to be postponed due to "a lack of available theatres." The tuner which stars "Dancing with the Stars" Emmy winner Derek Hough was initially eyeing a Spring 2017 Broadway bow.

The August Wilson Theatre has been the Broadway home of Frankie Valli and The Four Season's bio-musical Jersey Boys since October 2005 and has had a tremendous run since picking up its four Tony Awards (including Best Musical). Sadly all good things must come to an end, as Jersey Boys posted a closing notice for 15th January 2017. "Dancing with the Stars" favourite Mark Ballas will assume the role of Franke Valli from 18th October making him the last man to play the leading role on Broadway. This news has us wondering how much longer the West End production will keep belting out those much loved hits at the Piccadilly Theatre before it "walks like a man" right outta there. We'll keep you posted!

In addition, Broadway's musical comedy Something Rotten! - a rollicking, tongue-in-cheek tale of the creation of the world's first-ever musical during the Rennaissance era in England - has also posted its closure notice and will play its last performance at the St. James Theatre on 1st January 2017, before launching its U.S. National Tour in Boston on 17th January. "Nashville" and "Smash" star Will Chase will continue in the role of Will Shakespeare through to 9th October.

Finally - calling all Kristin Chenoweth fans! The highly adored Tony and Emmy Award-winning star will return to the Great White Way to perform a series of concerts at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre under the title of My Love Letter to Broadway to celebrate her upcoming album "The Art of Elegance." The concerts run from 2nd to 13th November 2016 and are sure to be very pop-u-lar! 

Until next time, be sure to check out NewYorkTheatreGuide.com for all the latest Broadway and off-Broadway buzz!